Chashu is a dish made of fattier cuts of pork that are braised over low heat for a very long time. The low, slow cooking, renders out the fat while turning the tough collagen in the meat into gelatin which keeps the meat moist while making it meltingly tender.
If you're thinking the name sounds an awful lot like the Chinese barbecued pork dish Char Siu, you'd be right, because at some point in the past, they were one and the same. Chashu is often served atop another dish that also originated in China: ramen. Like its noodley brethren, it's evolved over the past century to the point where it bears little resemblance to the original dish it was based on.
In the hyper competitive world of ramen in Japan, each shop jealously guards its secret Chashu formula. Revealing these secrets is the kind of offense that will have a dozen masked men in black ninja suits at your door to make you "disappear" in the middle of the night.
Such is my addiction to this luscious dish, that I've set aside all concerns about personal safety to recreate Santouka Ramen's famed "toroniku" Chashu, which can best be described as savoury butter with bits of tender pork suspended inside. It literally melts into a pool of flavour on your tongue and easily makes the list of things I'd want to have in my last meal.
The trick is to use pork cheek instead of the usual pork shoulder or belly that most people use for Chashu. If you've never tried it before, pork cheek is porcine perfection, taking the best qualities of a tasty cut like shoulder and marbling in a lattice of fat between the pink strands meat. When braised, the pieces of meat are almost imperceptibly suspended in a mesh of fat, that instantly liquefies when it enters your warm mouth.
For the braising liquid, I used a combination of soy sauce and miso. It's not a particularly orthodox approach to Chashu making, but I'm pretty sure it's what Santouka does. To bring my version full circle back to its Chinese roots, I've also added garlic, ginger, and white pepper which give the meat some character without overwhelming its porky goodness.
I serve this over my home-made tonkotsu ramen, but it's also great on top of rice, or in fried rice; I've even been know to add it to pastas or a Banh Mi or two.
📖 Recipe
Units
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients in a pot large enough to accommodate the pork in one layer but small enough so the liquid more or less covers the pork. Partially cover with a lid and simmer over medium low heat for one hour, or until a fork easily passes through the meat. Allow the pork to cool in the braising liquid then remove the meat from the liquid. Wrap in plastic and chill in the refrigerator (this makes it easier to slice).
- Slice the Chashu hinly against the grain and serve on top of ramen (the heat from the soup should warm it up). This is also great sliced a little thicker and warmed up on top of a bowl of rice with a little of the braising liquid drizzled on top.
Chocolate Shavings says
Is it problematic that I want a bite of this and it's not even 9AM yet?
gaga says
I've never seen pork cheek before, just look at that marbling!!! That is simply amazing.
Christie @ fig&cherry says
The words 'fatty' and 'pork' are meant to be together! This look divine Marc!
chef E says
Another great recipe and post on here...and I agree with Christie @ Fig & Cherry...two perfect words in unison!
Chocolate Shavings says
Is it problematic that I want a bite of this and it's not even 9AM yet?
gaga says
I've never seen pork cheek before, just look at that marbling!!! That is simply amazing.
Ravenouscouple says
this looks look pork candy...yum!
Azusa says
Amazing—I must try this! This sounds a lot easier that I though it'd be. Thanks for sharing!
Meaghan says
That looks amazing. My half-Japanese boyfriend is a sucker for anything ramen or pork, and would love this. Yum!
Meaghan says
PS-it reminds me of the movie Tampopo where the man is explaining ramen appreciation-- you have to keep your eye on the pork while you eat noodles, etc. So wonderful!
Zenchef says
It's funny you post that now because i was looking for Chashu recipes on the web over the week-end. I have to use that flavorful pig feet broth and i was thinking about making Ramen. Perfect!
I guess i have to go back to Mitsuwa to get some of those super-marbled pork cheeks now.
Christie @ fig&cherry says
The words 'fatty' and 'pork' are meant to be together! This look divine Marc!
chef E says
Another great recipe and post on here...and I agree with Christie @ Fig & Cherry...two perfect words in unison!
Ravenouscouple says
this looks look pork candy...yum!
Azusa says
Amazing—I must try this! This sounds a lot easier that I though it'd be. Thanks for sharing!
Pinoy Food Cravings says
I never liked Japanese food before but when my friend invited me to have a japanese lunch here in Manila, everything changed and im now addicted.
nice photos and btw your wordpress theme is awesome, I hope you can tell me who designed it:)
Sean says
I loooove Santouka, but its all the way on the other side of town so I never get to go (I'm in silverlake). I really want to try doing this, but I have never seen Pork Cheeks anywhere. Most of my meat comes from either Whole Foods or the Farmers Market at the grove. Any idea where I can score some beautifully marbled pork cheeks like that?
Meaghan says
That looks amazing. My half-Japanese boyfriend is a sucker for anything ramen or pork, and would love this. Yum!
Meaghan says
PS-it reminds me of the movie Tampopo where the man is explaining ramen appreciation-- you have to keep your eye on the pork while you eat noodles, etc. So wonderful!
Zenchef says
It's funny you post that now because i was looking for Chashu recipes on the web over the week-end. I have to use that flavorful pig feet broth and i was thinking about making Ramen. Perfect!
I guess i have to go back to Mitsuwa to get some of those super-marbled pork cheeks now.
Heather says
mmmmm. that looks good. your chopsticks are so pretty, too!
Pinoy Food Cravings says
I never liked Japanese food before but when my friend invited me to have a japanese lunch here in Manila, everything changed and im now addicted.
nice photos and btw your wordpress theme is awesome, I hope you can tell me who designed it:)
Sean says
I loooove Santouka, but its all the way on the other side of town so I never get to go (I'm in silverlake). I really want to try doing this, but I have never seen Pork Cheeks anywhere. Most of my meat comes from either Whole Foods or the Farmers Market at the grove. Any idea where I can score some beautifully marbled pork cheeks like that?
Heather says
mmmmm. that looks good. your chopsticks are so pretty, too!
Marc Matsumoto says
I'm not sure where you can score pork cheek in LA, but I get mine here in NY at Mitsuwa. I think you guys have one there too?
Mel @ bouchonfor2.com says
Pork cheek is likely my favourite cut from the animal. I enjoy it simply grilled or in hotpot. This looks delicious, Marc 🙂 I wouldn't expect anything less from you, of course!
I'm rarely turned on by chashu at ramen joints around town... and it didn't really stand out to me when I had ramen in Tokyo either. Improper fat distribution is usually the cause. Pork cheek! Problem solved.
Jared says
I am going to try this recipe with pork cheeks when we get back. Now I just need to figure out how to make the soup so white and silky, and I will be set!! Maybe I should get a part time job at Santouka here in Chicago.
Piercival says
I've never been less than very impressed with any of Marc's food, and his Char Sui is among my favorite dishes in the world (I make it more often than I should - can't help myself). This looks beyond extraordinary however and I've got a strong feeling it could be the ne plus ultra of Banh Mi. I will be trying the Chashu this weekend. Thanks Marc - you have brought much joy to my family and friends!
Mel @ bouchonfor2.com says
Pork cheek is likely my favourite cut from the animal. I enjoy it simply grilled or in hotpot. This looks delicious, Marc 🙂 I wouldn't expect anything less from you, of course!
I'm rarely turned on by chashu at ramen joints around town... and it didn't really stand out to me when I had ramen in Tokyo either. Improper fat distribution is usually the cause. Pork cheek! Problem solved.
Joanna says
Ooh, I've never seen raw pork cheeks before, but my idea of pig perfection (up until now at least) is guanciale, which I think is made from the cheeks as well. Will keep an eye out for the raw version because this looks ridiculously good!
Jared says
I am going to try this recipe with pork cheeks when we get back. Now I just need to figure out how to make the soup so white and silky, and I will be set!! Maybe I should get a part time job at Santouka here in Chicago.
colloquial cook says
"Well-marbled" is an understatement 😀
I miss our threesome-trips down to Mitsuwa. I can't even find nori here dammit!
Piercival says
I've never been less than very impressed with any of Marc's food, and his Char Sui is among my favorite dishes in the world (I make it more often than I should - can't help myself). This looks beyond extraordinary however and I've got a strong feeling it could be the ne plus ultra of Banh Mi. I will be trying the Chashu this weekend. Thanks Marc - you have brought much joy to my family and friends!
Joanna says
Ooh, I've never seen raw pork cheeks before, but my idea of pig perfection (up until now at least) is guanciale, which I think is made from the cheeks as well. Will keep an eye out for the raw version because this looks ridiculously good!
colloquial cook says
"Well-marbled" is an understatement 😀
I miss our threesome-trips down to Mitsuwa. I can't even find nori here dammit!
Ryohei says
Western beef sells pork jowl (which is lost in translation since pork cheek in Japan actually means pork jowl. Cheek meat isn't what's called toroniku). It's the cheapest pork at the store, called something like "pork for broth" or something. It's $1.99 lb. It's thin and buried among gross looking soup bones of sorts. Though you have to cut a lot of fat out, it's completely utterly worth it! Everytime I see them, I buy them all.
Ryohei says
Western beef sells pork jowl (which is lost in translation since pork cheek in Japan actually means pork jowl. Cheek meat isn't what's called toroniku). It's the cheapest pork at the store, called something like "pork for broth" or something. It's $1.99 lb. It's thin and buried among gross looking soup bones of sorts. Though you have to cut a lot of fat out, it's completely utterly worth it! Everytime I see them, I buy them all.', '0
Eralda says
I love slow cooked fatty meats. They get so delicious and melt in your mouth tender. Love the flavors here.
Eralda says
I love slow cooked fatty meats. They get so delicious and melt in your mouth tender. Love the flavors here.
katiek says
i really want to get my hands on a pork cheek. Sound divine. I was surprised that you didn't marinade it.
I dream of chasu that is brined over night in soy sauce and miso and anise of some sort. Change up the techniques.
katiek says
i really want to get my hands on a pork cheek. Sound divine. I was surprised that you didn't marinade it.
I dream of chasu that is brined over night in soy sauce and miso and anise of some sort. Change up the techniques.
manggy says
Huh, I've got to look out for pork cheeks. Meat cuts don't follow names for body parts here (i.e., the word for a person's shoulder is not the same as a pig's shoulder). So it may require some searching and asking around. So totally worth it, though. Ramen or rice, I love it all!
manggy says
Huh, I've got to look out for pork cheeks. Meat cuts don't follow names for body parts here (i.e., the word for a person's shoulder is not the same as a pig's shoulder). So it may require some searching and asking around. So totally worth it, though. Ramen or rice, I love it all!
Cynthia says
Marc, here in the Caribbean while we can get most parts of pig, sometimes the names are not the same... is it literally the cheeks of the pig?
Cynthia says
Marc, here in the Caribbean while we can get most parts of pig, sometimes the names are not the same... is it literally the cheeks of the pig?
rachael says
Well, since I see you've posted something since this post, we don't need to send out a search party for your body yet. But those ninjas are known to be sneaky and wait until you're unsuspecting, so watch your back! All joking aside, this looks so good I could lick my computer screen. It has been forever since I've made chashu--I think it's time to make some again.
rachael says
Well, since I see you've posted something since this post, we don't need to send out a search party for your body yet. But those ninjas are known to be sneaky and wait until you're unsuspecting, so watch your back! All joking aside, this looks so good I could lick my computer screen. It has been forever since I've made chashu--I think it's time to make some again.
Peter says
Oh, Mitsuwa- is there anything you can't do?
I get cheeks from our local butcher, but they are not marbled like that. New Jersey, here I come.
Peter says
Oh, Mitsuwa- is there anything you can't do?
I get cheeks from our local butcher, but they are not marbled like that. New Jersey, here I come.
pigpigscorner says
omg the meat looks AMAZING! I'm bookmarking this. Hope I can get some cheeks!
pigpigscorner says
omg the meat looks AMAZING! I'm bookmarking this. Hope I can get some cheeks!
Syrie says
Thank you, thank you for sharing this recipe. Now I just have to find some pork cheeks. I've never seen them before. The marbling is so beautiful.
Syrie says
Thank you, thank you for sharing this recipe. Now I just have to find some pork cheeks. I've never seen them before. The marbling is so beautiful.
Ralph says
Cooked it and followed directions to the t.....excellent!! Keep it coming Marc! Although I ate everything, I would probably trim some fat off next time...I'm feeling numb on my left side right now. Also, the sauce is addicting! Thanks Marc!!
Ralph says
Cooked it and followed directions to the t.....excellent!! Keep it coming Marc! Although I ate everything, I would probably trim some fat off next time...I'm feeling numb on my left side right now. Also, the sauce is addicting! Thanks Marc!!
wasabi prime says
Beautiful post. And it makes me so hungry looking at all the lovely ingredients! The marbling on the cheeks is just amazing.
wasabi prime says
Beautiful post. And it makes me so hungry looking at all the lovely ingredients! The marbling on the cheeks is just amazing.
kathy says
I think I'm having Japanese dish tomorrow. lol! nice photos. Your Chashu looks delish! That ramen is perfect. I just wanna try this. The sooner the better. Thanks for this post!
kathy says
I think I'm having Japanese dish tomorrow. lol! nice photos. Your Chashu looks delish! That ramen is perfect. I just wanna try this. The sooner the better. Thanks for this post!
John (cho-tabetai) says
I have not been so suceessful making cha-shu. I'll give this recipe a go
John (cho-tabetai) says
I have not been so suceessful making cha-shu. I'll give this recipe a go
Valerie says
This was always my favorite dish at shogatsu! I remember my grandmother trying to chase us kids out of the kitchen when we'd come around to steal it before she had put it out on the table! I don't know now what cut of meat she used to use to make this but I'm going to have to experiment because now I'm seriously craving... Thanks for the recipe!
Valerie says
This was always my favorite dish at shogatsu! I remember my grandmother trying to chase us kids out of the kitchen when we'd come around to steal it before she had put it out on the table! I don't know now what cut of meat she used to use to make this but I'm going to have to experiment because now I'm seriously craving... Thanks for the recipe!
Emorie33 says
So you have revealed the famed Santouka chasu recipe.......any luck with the shio ramen of the same brand???haha
Rx4foodies says
This was just delicious. I made this tonight as a topping for our won ton soup. Absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Marilia says
i had this with my friend and her mom at this japenese resturaunt called Kobe. and the cook acually cooked and fried it and all that mess in front of us! so cool!
Tracy says
Oh, man-this was sublime! I used to live a few miles from Santouka in Illinois and got addicted to their spicy miso ramen. Since moving to Arizona ten years ago I've not been able to find much that even comes close so I've tried to make my own. The chasu was the last piece of the puzzle and this is just spot on!
Tob says
What kind of miso (red/brown/white/?) do you use?
Marc Matsumoto says
It's not the main flavoring so it really doesn't matter, use whatever you have.
junyang chen says
I tried this yesterday, the "sauce" dries out until it no longer covers the meat. Do I add more water or let it be? Thanks (: from Singapore
Marc Matsumoto says
The sauce will reduce a little while simmering. You can move the meat around and flip it over to ensure it absorbs the flavors evenly, if it gets so dried out you're worried it will burn you can add water.
junyang chen says
ok thanks (: cooking another batch right now. finally got some pork cheeks from the local butcher
Tob says
Thanks Marc - this came out deliciously with the ramen recipe.Â
Marilia says
i'm going to give this a go!!
Thomas Abraham says
i'm going to give this a go!!
MizzBee13 says
Hello, first off I want to say how much I enjoy your website!! I plan on cooking a lot from your recipes! Also, I have a question to the pork cheek....is it the cheek from the face of the cheek from the rump?? I went here to my local carniceria and they will try to order it for me but they had quite a skeptical look on their faces stating that pork cheek is nothing but fat with no meat in between strands like your picture is showing. So, I thought, there is another type of cheek on the pig.......and I gotta ask :o))
Thank you very much for clarification!! Many blessings!
Marc Matsumoto says
Yep, pork cheek has a thick layer of fat, but underneath is a thin piece of well marbled meat. You'll probably want to get most of the fat trimmed off.
Yogicfoodie says
Hi Marc,
Oh my, oh my, OH MY~~!!! I've made cha-shu many a times, but never with miso. It's simmering away on my stove at this moment and my two toddlers are begging more for the broth!!!I am so throughly enjoying your site! Miso brings such depth and dimension to my chashu. Thank you again keep the post coming.
Mhagenplacer3 says
This website is A++mazing! I remember learning to cook by watching food network and home but never making any of the recipes. Â The trick for me was to remember the combinations that paired well together and synthesize meal ideas from that. Â I'm so thrilled to find a solid Japanese/Chinese blog that will help me master this amazing cuisine! Thanks so much for your wonderful website Marc! Have a good day!!
lisa says
could i use any type of miso?
lisa says
could i use any type of miso?
Marc Matsumoto says
Yep any kind should work. White miso will get you a lighter flavor and lighter color, red miso will get you a more intense flavor and darker color.
lisa says
thank you Marc.
Alan says
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I will be trying it tomorrow but just a question, is the water 3/4 cup? It seems a bit too little to cover my pork belly. Thanks
Marc Matsumoto says
Yep the water quantity is right, but you probably used a bigger pot than I did. You can just double the amount of all the ingredients (except the pork) so that it's covered it liquid, or just use a smaller pot.
DB says
Love this recipe! Delicious. I have found pork cheeks (for you northern Californians) not only at Mitsuw but at Han Kook, the Korean Market in Santa Clara. Asked for it unsliced, they have it in back. 🙂
Ari says
I hate to sound dumb here but I just can't figure out what kind of cheek you're referring to. D: like the rump or the face?
Marc Matsumoto says
It's part of the face:-)
Ari says
Aha! That's what I thought, but I had to make sure. I absolutely can't wait to make this and the pork ramen. Thanks so much. 🙂
Marilia says
I dont have any miso - hmm wonder if I could use Chou Hou paste . . . I am going to try it!
kirstine says
marc, when you say miso here, is it miso paste? where can I find it? I'm new to cooking world, hence there's a lot of ingredients that I'm not familiar with, plus I live in small city with no china town available, so I have to find them through ebay or amazon....
Marc Matsumoto says
Hi Kirstine, Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans that comes in a bunch of different varieties (black, red, white, yellow, country-style, etc). I usually use yellow or red miso for this (yellow miso is often called white miso in the US, but it's different from the white miso in Japan). If you're based in the US you can order Japanese ingredients online through Marukai or Mitsuwa.
jeeplibby02 says
Hi Marc,
First time here. I live in a town where the only good tonkotsu ramen comes from a restaurant that charges $16 a bowl, and is a bit hard to get to on those snowy days when all I want to eat is a big steamy bowl of porky-noodley goodness, but don't want to drive to get it. So, thanks for making it possible for me to try a homemade version. I was able to find find pork jowl at a Korean market nearby, but it is already sliced into fairly thin strips (approx. half the width of a slice of bacon). How should I adjust this recipe to account for that? Thanks in advance.
Libby
Foodlover says
Hmmm, I am really puzzled: I tried your recipe but the result was not even close of what you show in the second picture. I suspect you pan fry the cheeks first to get that nice thin brown colored crust?
Marc Matsumoto says
Hi Foodlover, nope I didn't pan fry it first, the cheeks go straight into the broth. The brown color comes from the soy sauce and miso in the sauce. Can you describe what went wrong in a little more detail?
Foodlover says
Hi Marc, thanks for replying. I think I know what went wrong now. Because of the large quantity of meat I had to process I didn't do it in one even layer. So the cheeks turned brown throughout, no crusting. So I assume if you do it correctly, the liquid will be almost evaporated after the 1 hour gently simmer and that would also explain why the browning is more pronounced on 1 side.
Secondly, the pork cheeks I can get here in Belgium are no where as nice and white marbled as you show. I guess those are harder to come by. Am I right?
Marc Matsumoto says
Sounds like that may have been a problem. It's definitely better to do it in one layer. If the meat isn't soaking in the liquid it will not take on color, and if there was too much pork, it would have released too much liquid watering down the cooking liquid. As for the pork cheeks, these are from kurobuta (berkshire pork) it's a heritage breed known for having more fat than the commercial pork sold in grocery stores these days. I hope that helps.
Foodlover says
Yes, I figured it should be Berkshire pork. Thanks for confirming.
I will give this another trial and let you know my result!
ATB says
Hi Marc,
Tks you for your sharing recipes. Actually, I'm crazy with Hokkaido Santouka Ramen. Could you tell me how to cook Spicy miso ramen that similar Santouka's flavor ? One more, Do you think Santouka uses pork cheek from Kurobuta ? Tks you for you help.
Marc Matsumoto says
Hi ATB, I love Santouka's chashu, but I'm not a huge fan of the ramen itself. You can check out my tonkotsu ramen recipe for a richer soup that's closer to Ippudo's than Santouka's. As for the toroniku, yep, I actually used kurobuta (berkshire pork) cheek. Mitsuwa stocks it from time to time (presumably to supply Santouka (which has branches in their stores).
Chiaki says
Hi, Marc,
Could you provide the approximate weight for the pork cheek used in this recipe? Based on the seasonings, I can only guess the pork is about 1/2 lb.
Greatly appreciated.
Marc Matsumoto says
Hi Chiaki, to be honest I don't remember the weight measure, a 1/2 pound sounds like a reasonable assumption. That said it doesn't need to be precise, as long as they are submerged in liquid, which you can adjust by using a smaller pot, or adding more liquid (just double the other ingredients).
Mishu says
Would you recommend a brand of soya sauce that is best to make this chashu?
Marc Matsumoto says
I use Kikkoman, but any Japanese soy sauce will work fine.
Tatsuo Yamaguchi says
no more Japanese soy sauce from Japan it's all contaminated with radiation. Soy beans have grown near fukushima.
Mister Meaning says
"One and the same" STED "one in the same." The first phrase is a repetitive affirmation that two things are exactly alike. One could say "They are one," or "They are the same" and achieve the same meaning. The second phrase doesn't mean anything.
changu420 says
In Europe you can try to find Iberico park cheeks from Spain. I know that breed is readily accessible out there.
Yohan Sinha says
Hi Marc,
if I were to use the belly should I keep the skin on when cooking?
thanks
Marc Matsumoto says
Hi Yohan, Japanese chashu doesn't use the skin (you can't buy pork belly with skin-on here), that said, as long as you cook it long enough (to tenderize the skin) I don't see why you couldn't leave it on.
some body says
wawa
some body says
but it looks good
some body says
so whats up guys what are we talking about food ? lol jkn
some body says
real boring now lol
thisisthestorm says
I am now hungry and distracted.
Oh wait, I'm always hungry and distracted.
superelastic says
I am making my first attempt at this right now...it's very exciting and I want to thank you so much for sharing.
One question, if you would be so kind. I had Santouka's "Miso Ramen" a few weeks ago. I assume miso is a fundamental ingredient, and yet you use tahini. Would I be off-base to use miso paste instead of tahini? I was always under the impression that tahini was a middle-eastern thing, not Japanese. Thanks again.
Marc Matsumoto says
Hi Superelastic, there's no tahini in this recipe, so I'm assuming you're referring to my Tonkotsu ramen? If so, Tonkotsu ramen is a different style of ramen (from the southern island of Japan) from miso ramen (from the northern island of Japan) and does not include miso. I do have a recipe for a miso flavored Tonkotsu here https://norecipes.com/tonkotsu-miso-ramen-recipe/
As for the tahini, you're right it is a middle eastern in ingredient, but it's the closest thing to nerigoma you can get in the US and has a fairly similar flavor. The difference is that nerigoma is made with whole sesame seeds (including the hull), tahini is made with only the kernel inside the hull of the sesame seed. It's there to add creaminess and richness as well as a little flavor, so I would not recommend leaving it out.
Amy Kimoto Kahn says
Hi Marc. Can you please tell me the main difference between "chashu" and "kakuni"? Is it that "kakuni" refers to just pork belly and that "chashu" can be made from any fattier part of the pork?
Marc Matsumoto says
Hi Amy, the preparation and flavor is totally different (it's braised instead of grilled) but Chashu is based on the Chinese Charsiu (BBQed pork). It can be made with a number of different cuts, but it's typically rolled and tied so that the slices are round. Kakuni on the other hand literally means "cubed and simmered", and is made by cutting pork belly into cubes and simmering in a sauce.
Adam says
Mmm. I just got pork cheeks in order to try this!
Christine Ly Nguyen says
Made this last night for my spicy dipping miso ramen and the chasu was so good! Thank you so much for this recipe !
Drew Liscomb says
These were great, Marc!
#noobalert
I got 4 "jowls" from our local butcher, but they didn't look anything like that.
I trimmed a lot of solid fat from the outside, but it seems to me that I left a bunch on that is missing in your picture.
Can you talk a bit about how you trimmed the cheek?
Marc Matsumoto says
Hi Drew, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! These came trimmed this way, but it's fine leaving a fat cap on one side which will also help keep the meat moist and makes it a bit more like pork belly.